Christmas 2018: Best gifts for kids, mum, dad

1 / 17For the family: All-New Cardless Faber Licence by One Faber Group

The best gift is one that keeps giving – for a whole year! With this annual membership, you and your kids can enjoy unlimited cable car rides.

That’s not all. You get staycation deals at hotels such as Shangri-La’s Rasa Sentosa Resort & Spa and Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa, and dining discounts at restaurants such as Arbora, Dusk Restaurant & Bar and Good Old Days, among other privileges. $39 for an individual membership; $135 for family of four. Find out more: https://member.onefabergroup.com

How cute is this Christmas edition of Universal Studios Singapore’s annual pass? Featuring beloved characters such as Elmo and the Minions, it’s available only when you sign up this month, till Dec 31. The festive package also includes a limited edition Passholder lanyard, and an exclusive holiday-themed gift box.

Get one for every member in the family and enjoy many magical moments at the amazing theme park. Child (age four to 12) and senior (age 60 and above) $158; adult (age 13 to 59) $188. Find out more here.

Available in four colours, these JRPop speakers are made to be kid-friendly – think rugged materials and a fabric strap – as well as waterproof. Expect up to five hours of play time on a single charge. The best thing is, they light up when music is played! $59 from leading retailers. Visit www.jbl.com.sg.

That’s not all – the trailer can be turned into a dual track, measuring 76cm long. Now it’s time to launch the Bumblebee and Blurr Flip Racers figures, and race! Ideal for kids from age three. $119.90, from www.toysrus.com.sg

What are inside these mystery eggs? Cute little figurines that glow in the dark! This is Hatchimals Colleggtibles Neon Nightglow 12-Pack Egg Carton in Season 4, which attest to their popularity. To crack the shell, rub each egg’s purple heart lovingly until it turns pink, then gently press down. Ideal for kids from age five. $34.81, from www.amazon.com.sg

This new instalment of the Abbie Rose series written by humourist Neil Humphreys and illustrated by Cheng Puay Koon will delight preschoolers. As the title suggests, Abbie Rose & the Magic Suitcase: Telling the Otters to Leave Home was a Really Big Mistake teaches kids all about smooth-coated otters that live in Singapore’s wetlands. Buy the book and make a trip down to spot the otterly-adorable creatures in the wild. $12.06 before GST from major bookstores or from www.marshallcavendish.com/genref.

If your kid is in primary school, check out Neil’s latest book, Princess Incognito: A Royal Pain in the Class ($14.95 before GST).

Give your child a crash course in electronics while encouraging his or her creativity with the littleBits Electronic Music Inventor Kit. It comes with all the necessary parts, including a keyboard, oscillator, microsequencer and speaker, to build an electric guitar or air drums. A companion app (for Android and iOS) helps guide users through the construction of instruments. US$69.99 (S$96), excluding shipping, from Amazon.com

Cultivate your child’s building spirit with a Lego Technic Whack! model. This 135-piece Lego race-car model is sufficiently complex, but not too challenging for its intended audience of seven- to 14-year-olds. It comes with a powerful motor that propels the car forward with a simple pull-back motion. To increase the fun quotient, the car’s toy engine is designed to fly out when it hits a wall or other obstacles at high speed. $39.90 from Lego distributors.

If you need a stocking stuffer that’s not a sugary snack, give the little ones this limited edition trio of three 90g jams ($20) that’s made by a local startup founded by parents. There’s blueberry and pear, chunky apple and mango, which are made without artificial preservatives, juice concentrate, or added salt and sugar. Organic raw honey is added to the first two flavours. $20 from Haruplate.

Mums love Tarte for its dermatologist-tested and cruelty-free makeup that really delivers. This Christmas, why not gift her its Pineapple of My Eye collectors set? The glamorous palette features 24 eye shadows, two blushes, a bronzer and a highlighter. There’s also liquid eyeliner, mascara, and lip rescue in an exclusive new shade of pink. Check out Sephora’s other gorgeous festive coffrets while you’re shopping, too. $85 from www.sephora.sg and in-store.

Compact and cute, the LG PC389 Pocket Photo Snap is a retro-cool gift for kids and adults alike. It’s an instant camera with a 5m pixel resolution that prints 30 images on one charge, has a black-and-white mode, and can print photos from Android and iOS devices, too. It’s also the first of its type to print photos with a protective transparent coating that prevents smudges and degradation. $249 from LG retailers; photo paper is $29 (36 sheets).

Fun and fascinating aren’t usually how you describe the use of a hair styler, but chances are you would with a Dyson Airwrap – especially when you are curling your locks. Place a section of hair near the barrel and it “magically” attracts and wraps hair around. The Airwrap is also designed to quickly smoothen unruly tresses or add volume to flat hair. Like the brand’s famed Supersonic dryer, the Airwrap promises not to overheat and damage hair. It’s also safe to let your child handle it because the surface always remains cool. $699 (for the complete set), from https://shop.dyson.com.sg

What a gift! The iPhone XR (from S$1,229 for 64GB) not only boasts superb specs — facial recognition, a powerful A12 bionic chip, a vibrant liquid retina display and a 12MP rear camera are some impressive features, just to name a few — but also comes in adorable candy colours. Get it from telcos or Apple.

This ones for dads and mums who love the two classic brands. The Casio G-Shock x Transformers Special Collaboration Model is especially meaningful as both brands celebrate their 35th anniversary (2018 for Casio, 2019 for Transformers). This special model comprises a special-edition Optimus Prime – leader of the Autobots – a transformable figurine with a G-Shock DW-6900TF model in matching red and blue. The figurine can transform from robot mode to pedestal mode, while still housing the watch. Activating the G-Shock’s backlight will unveil the Autobot logo on the watch’s display. $499 from Casio retailers.

Are you a sporty family? Get yourselves matching fitness gadgets this Christmas. The new Garmin Instinct is a rugged GPS running watch with built-in heart-rate monitor, three-axis compass and barometric altimeter. Built to endure the elements, the Instinct can withstand temperatures from minus 20 to 60 deg C and being dropped from up to a height of 122cm. It is also water-resistant to a depth of 100m. $499 from Garmin retailers.

If your spouse loves to take photos but doesn’t want to lug around a heavy DSLR, the Panasonic Lumix DC-LX100 II It is a great gift. It builds on the superb prosumer LX100 compact camera and uses the same 20-megapixel Four Thirds image sensor and image processor found in the Panasonic GX9 mirrorless camera. Yet, it has a compact body that houses a 24-75mm f/1.7-2.8 lens. It also features a 3-inch touchscreen display and a 2.76-million-dot electronic viewfinder. $1,399 from Panasonic retailers.

For the family: All-New Cardless Faber Licence by One Faber Group
The best gift is one that keeps giving – for a whole year! With this annual membership, you and your kids can enjoy unlimited cable car rides.
That’s not all. You get staycation deals at hotels such as Shangri-La’s Rasa Sentosa Resort & Spa and Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa, and dining discounts at restaurants such as Arbora, Dusk Restaurant & Bar and Good Old Days, among other privileges. $39 for an individual membership; $135 for family of four. Find out more: https://member.onefabergroup.com
For the family: Christmas themed Universal Studios Singapore annual pass
How cute is this Christmas edition of Universal Studios Singapore’s annual pass? Featuring beloved characters such as Elmo and the Minions, it’s available only when you sign up this month, till Dec 31. The festive package also includes a limited edition Passholder lanyard, and an exclusive holiday-themed gift box.
Get one for every member in the family and enjoy many magical moments at the amazing theme park. Child (age four to 12) and senior (age 60 and above) $158; adult (age 13 to 59) $188. Find out more here.
For kids: JRPop speakers from JBL
Available in four colours, these JRPop speakers are made to be kid-friendly – think rugged materials and a fabric strap – as well as waterproof. Expect up to five hours of play time on a single charge. The best thing is, they light up when music is played! $59 from leading retailers. Visit www.jbl.com.sg.
Related: Where to get your turkey, cake and festive treats: Christmas 2018
For kids: Playskool Heroes
Even if your little one isn’t yet a Transformers fan, he’ll love this cool playset from Playskool Heroes. The Transformers Rescue Bots Flip Racers Optimus Prime Race Track Trailer converts easily from a truck into a 38cm-tall bot.
That’s not all – the trailer can be turned into a dual track, measuring 76cm long. Now it’s time to launch the Bumblebee and Blurr Flip Racers figures, and race! Ideal for kids from age three. $119.90, from www.toysrus.com.sg
Related: This Christmas, the best toys for one-year-olds are…
For kids: Hatchimals
What are inside these mystery eggs? Cute little figurines that glow in the dark! This is Hatchimals Colleggtibles Neon Nightglow 12-Pack Egg Carton in Season 4, which attest to their popularity. To crack the shell, rub each egg’s purple heart lovingly until it turns pink, then gently press down. Ideal for kids from age five. $34.81, from www.amazon.com.sg
Related: Mickey Mouse and Disney friends for Orchard Road Christmas 2018
For kids: Abbie Rose & the Magic Suitcase: Telling the Otters to Leave Home was a Really Big Mistake
This new instalment of the Abbie Rose series written by humourist Neil Humphreys and illustrated by Cheng Puay Koon will delight preschoolers. As the title suggests, Abbie Rose & the Magic Suitcase: Telling the Otters to Leave Home was a Really Big Mistake teaches kids all about smooth-coated otters that live in Singapore’s wetlands. Buy the book and make a trip down to spot the otterly-adorable creatures in the wild. $12.06 before GST from major bookstores or from www.marshallcavendish.com/genref.
If your kid is in primary school, check out Neil’s latest book, Princess Incognito: A Royal Pain in the Class ($14.95 before GST).
For kids: littleBits Electronic Music Inventor Kit
Give your child a crash course in electronics while encouraging his or her creativity with the littleBits Electronic Music Inventor Kit. It comes with all the necessary parts, including a keyboard, oscillator, microsequencer and speaker, to build an electric guitar or air drums. A companion app (for Android and iOS) helps guide users through the construction of instruments. US$69.99 (S$96), excluding shipping, from Amazon.com
Related: 11 family-friendly Christmas markets in Singapore you should visit
For kids: Lego Technic Whack!
Cultivate your child’s building spirit with a Lego Technic Whack! model. This 135-piece Lego race-car model is sufficiently complex, but not too challenging for its intended audience of seven- to 14-year-olds. It comes with a powerful motor that propels the car forward with a simple pull-back motion. To increase the fun quotient, the car’s toy engine is designed to fly out when it hits a wall or other obstacles at high speed. $39.90 from Lego distributors.
Related: What it’s like to work at Lego: Inside Lego Hub Singapore
For kids: Haruplate #AllFruitNoSugar Jolly Jam set
If you need a stocking stuffer that’s not a sugary snack, give the little ones this limited edition trio of three 90g jams ($20) that’s made by a local startup founded by parents. There’s blueberry and pear, chunky apple and mango, which are made without artificial preservatives, juice concentrate, or added salt and sugar. Organic raw honey is added to the first two flavours. $20 from Haruplate.
For Mum: Tarte Pineapple of My Eye
For more Christmas 2018 makeup sets for mums, click here.
Mums love Tarte for its dermatologist-tested and cruelty-free makeup that really delivers. This Christmas, why not gift her its Pineapple of My Eye collectors set? The glamorous palette features 24 eye shadows, two blushes, a bronzer and a highlighter. There’s also liquid eyeliner, mascara, and lip rescue in an exclusive new shade of pink. Check out Sephora’s other gorgeous festive coffrets while you’re shopping, too. $85 from www.sephora.sg and in-store.
For Mum: Tiffany & Co. Timeless Diamond limited edition eau de parfum
There’s something about the iconic turquoise box that makes every mum’s heart beat a little bit faster. This one houses Tiffany & Co.’s Timeless Diamond limited edition eau de parfum (75ml), which features notes of vert de mandarine, iris, musk and patchouli. $176 from http://sg.shilladutyfree.com
For Mum: LG PC389 Pocket Photo Snap
Compact and cute, the LG PC389 Pocket Photo Snap is a retro-cool gift for kids and adults alike. It’s an instant camera with a 5m pixel resolution that prints 30 images on one charge, has a black-and-white mode, and can print photos from Android and iOS devices, too. It’s also the first of its type to print photos with a protective transparent coating that prevents smudges and degradation. $249 from LG retailers; photo paper is $29 (36 sheets).
Related: Would you fake Baby’s photos for Instagram? This mum did
For Mum: Dyson Airwrap
Fun and fascinating aren’t usually how you describe the use of a hair styler, but chances are you would with a Dyson Airwrap – especially when you are curling your locks. Place a section of hair near the barrel and it “magically” attracts and wraps hair around. The Airwrap is also designed to quickly smoothen unruly tresses or add volume to flat hair. Like the brand’s famed Supersonic dryer, the Airwrap promises not to overheat and damage hair. It’s also safe to let your child handle it because the surface always remains cool. $699 (for the complete set), from https://shop.dyson.com.sg
For Mum or Dad: iPhone XR
What a gift! The iPhone XR (from S$1,229 for 64GB) not only boasts superb specs — facial recognition, a powerful A12 bionic chip, a vibrant liquid retina display and a 12MP rear camera are some impressive features, just to name a few — but also comes in adorable candy colours. Get it from telcos or Apple.
For Dad: Casio G-Shock x Transformers Special Collaboration Model
This ones for dads and mums who love the two classic brands. The Casio G-Shock x Transformers Special Collaboration Model is especially meaningful as both brands celebrate their 35th anniversary (2018 for Casio, 2019 for Transformers). This special model comprises a special-edition Optimus Prime – leader of the Autobots – a transformable figurine with a G-Shock DW-6900TF model in matching red and blue. The figurine can transform from robot mode to pedestal mode, while still housing the watch. Activating the G-Shock’s backlight will unveil the Autobot logo on the watch’s display. $499 from Casio retailers.
For Mum or Dad: Garmin Instinct
Are you a sporty family? Get yourselves matching fitness gadgets this Christmas. The new Garmin Instinct is a rugged GPS running watch with built-in heart-rate monitor, three-axis compass and barometric altimeter. Built to endure the elements, the Instinct can withstand temperatures from minus 20 to 60 deg C and being dropped from up to a height of 122cm. It is also water-resistant to a depth of 100m. $499 from Garmin retailers.
For Mum or Dad: Panasonic Lumix DC-LX100 II
If your spouse loves to take photos but doesn’t want to lug around a heavy DSLR, the Panasonic Lumix DC-LX100 II It is a great gift. It builds on the superb prosumer LX100 compact camera and uses the same 20-megapixel Four Thirds image sensor and image processor found in the Panasonic GX9 mirrorless camera. Yet, it has a compact body that houses a 24-75mm f/1.7-2.8 lens. It also features a 3-inch touchscreen display and a 2.76-million-dot electronic viewfinder. $1,399 from Panasonic retailers.
Additional reporting from ST